Crosswalk.com aims to offer the most compelling biblically-based content to Christians on their walk with Jesus. Crosswalk.com is your online destination for all areas of Christian Living – faith, family, fun, and community. Each category is further divided into areas important to you and your Christian faith including Bible study, daily devotions, marriage, parenting, movie reviews, music, news, and more.

Bible Pathways 08/28/04

Jeremiah prophesied that the Ammonites, descendants of Lot who were historically hostile to the Israelites, would be destroyed (Jeremiah 27:3-6; also II Kings 24:1-2; II Chronicles 20:1-3). Rabbah of the Ammonites . . . shall be a desolate heap (mound of ruins), and her daughters (villages) shall be burned with fire. . . . Behold, I will bring a fear (terror) upon you, says the Lord GOD of hosts . . . and you shall be driven out (Jeremiah 49:2-5).

Our attention is turned to Edom, a nation that descended from Jacob's twin brother Esau. Edom had always been a jealous enemy of Jacob's descendants and had joined Nebuchadnezzar in plundering Jerusalem. They even expanded their territory into southern Judah, inhabiting an area later called Idumea, the birthplace of Herod, the king at the time of Jesus' birth. Because of their actions toward Israel, Edom's fate was foretold by the prophet: I have made Esau bare. . . . and he is not (49:10-12).

Judgment was then pronounced against Babylon . . . the land of the Chaldeans. . . . there comes up a nation against her, which shall make her land desolate (50:1-3).

Not only the release of Israel from captivity is foretold but the yet-to-come day when the Israelites will eventually repent and accept their Messiah Jesus in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten (50:4-5).

We can expect the forces of evil to discourage us in an effort to destroy our faith in God. However, God is not glorified by our fears, doubts, or frustrations. We must keep our eyes on the promises of God that have never failed. Consequently, there is never a valid reason to allow the pressures and problems of life to depress or frustrate us. In fact, despondency is a sin. Count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations (various trials); Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire (complete), wanting nothing. . . . Blessed is the man that endures temptation (testing): for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love Him (James 1:2-4,12).

Christ Revealed:

As the Redeemer who pleads our cause (Jeremiah 50:34). Blessed (praised and extolled and thanked) be the Lord God of Israel; for He has visited and redeemed His people (Luke 1:68). It is Christ . . . who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us (Romans 8:34).

Pray for Country: Oman (2 million) on the southeastern coast of Arabia · Major languages: Arabic and English · Fewer restrictions on Christian activity than most of its neighbors · 97% Muslim; .5% Christian

Prayer Suggestion: Praise and glorify the Name of the Lord (Hebrews 13:5).